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    Router Transmit Power

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by jackluo923, Jul 6, 2009.

  1. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Currently I set my wifi transmit level to 50mW on my Asus Wl 520GU. Has anybody fried their router by cranking the transmit power way up? I can set mine to 251mW. The router heats up a bit, but can still handle it. At 251mW, i get full bars signal everywhere in my house where my old router would usually disconnect at that point. :D
     
    jackluo923, Jul 6, 2009
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  2. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Yes, I fried a router once by cranking up the transmit power....I think I gave my parakeet cancer, too
     
    gerryf19, Jul 6, 2009
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  3. lixuelai

    lixuelai Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I remember reading a great analogy to this on DD-WRT forums.

    This is like shouting louder in one direction. Does that mean the other side will hear you further? Yes. Does this mean that you will have a conversation at longer distances? No. Why? Because the other side can only shout in the same loudness as before. Normally AP antenna has higher power than the client already so there is not much benefit other than a superficial "better connection". Even if it does benefit there will be no need to crank it to max. For the WL520 which I believe is a DD-WRT compatible router the setting is recommended to be in the 80s range.
     
    lixuelai, Jul 7, 2009
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  4. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Also remember that the higher your power output, the easier it is for the black hats to pick up your router and possibly attack it.

    I'm running two routers (set up as access points, DHCP is served from the linksys in the basement) in the house along with directional antennae. The routers are placed at either end of the house with the antennae pointing inwards. Total cost for the two routers and directional antennae was less than U$90-

    Walking around outside with ethereal/wireshark running on my iPaq 5555, I need to be within 6" of the house before the APs and SSIDs show up. I have no repeated the experiment with a laptop and internal wireless card. I suppose I should though.

    If they can't see you, they can't attack you and will go where it's easier.
     
    newsposter, Jul 7, 2009
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  5. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I know... I don't like dd-wrt because it's less powerful than tomato. Also, dd-wrt doesn't support NAS+usb print server. The recommended transmit power in tomato is something like 40, but I'm currently using 50mW. I guess I'll put my asus Wl-330GE to work as a repeater so I can use wifi in the park behind my house. LOL
     
    jackluo923, Jul 7, 2009
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  6. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    as far as the park behind your house goes, there are loads of third-party high-gain directional antennas available. There are DIY plans for more interesting antennas as well.
     
    newsposter, Jul 8, 2009
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